Fans feared they wouldn’t be able to watch their favourite characters in the UK again

“And the stories we’re doing at the moment – particularly right now with Toadie over in London chasing Dee Bliss – that storyline has been probably one of the most successful we’ve ever had in terms of audience numbers and interest,” he added.

The fictitious doctor’s reassuring words follow reports Neighbours could be pulled from UK schedules following “contract rows” at Five – which sparked a petition to save the show.

The Australian soap has been aired in the UK for 31 years, but its reign is allegedly on the cusp of being over as Channel 5 and makers Freemantle Media are failing to negotiate a deal for the show.

A source told The Sunday People: “The renegotiation of the Neighbours Channel 5 deal has become very fraught and is in jeopardy. Channel 5 really want to keep the show.”

Bizarre looks back at some of the best moments from Australian soap Neighbours

And apparently it’s all because new US bosses at the channel don’t understand how culturally important the show is to us Brits.

The insider continued: “But the failure to reach a deal is being blamed on Channel 5’s new American owners Viacom for refusing to sign off on the figures and not understanding the cultural importance of the show in the UK.

“Neighbours has become a British TV favourite and it would be a sad day if it were to go,” they said.

Fans of the show have welcomed Alan's statement that the show will go on, with one fan typing on Twitter: "in Dr K we trust!"

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